Obituary

J. A. Whitaker, known to friends and colleagues as Jay passed away on Tuesday, the 2nd of November 2010 in San Marcos Texas. He was born on April 14, 1934 in Breckenridge Texas. A devoted father and husband, who always saw to it that his family was provided for. He is preceded in death by his parents Mabel Tucker and John Whitaker, his four brothers: Ted, Pat, Gene, and Alan, and his daughter Mary Ann Whitaker.

Jay is survived by Phyllis Murzicos Whitaker, his devoted wife of 52 years, his two daughters Stephanie Mingarelli and son-in-law David Mingarelli of Round Rock Texas, and Deborah Cooper and son-in-law William L. Cooper Jr. of Hockley Texas and his sister-in-law Dorothea Fry. Jay was blessed with four grandchildren: Blake and Jacob Denton and Emily and Abby Cooper.

At the young age of 14 Jay began working in the oil fields as a shooter. He then joined the Air Force in 1954 and was stationed in Texarkana Texas, where he met and married Phyllis in 1958. While serving in the armed forces he also attended Junior college and later transferred to The University of Texas at Austin in 1960. While in Austin he began a 31 year long career with The JC Penney Company, working his way from the sales floor to store manager. He managed stores in Baytown Texas, Boulder Colorado and back to Texas retiring in San Marcos. Throughout his life Jay was happiest serving in some civic capacity. He was a life long Rotarian, where he prided himself on perfect attendance, and also was named a Paul Harris Fellow. He also served on the Board of the United Way and the vestry of the Episcopal Church. After retirement Jay enjoyed working on his yard and garden but his grandchildren brought him the most joy, always making time for them.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from four o’clock in the afternoon until seven o’clock in the evening on Friday, the 5th of November at Thomason Funeral Home, 2001 Ranch Road 12 in San Marcos. The memorial services will be conducted at one o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, the 6th of November, at St. Marks Episcopal Church, 3039 Ranch Road 12 in San Marcos. Prior to the memorial service the family will have gathered for a private interment ceremony at San Marcos City Cemetery.

In lieu of customary remembrances, and for those desiring, the family humbly suggests memorial contributions be directed to St. Marks Episcopal Church, 3039 Ranch Road 12, San Marcos Texas 78666.